Paul Thompson (pictured left) will fill the head-coaching position with the Ceres Cowboys varsity youth football team this year.

A member of the Ceres Cowboys Youth Football & Cheer Organization since 2006, Maribel Gutierrez will take on a new challenge this season.

"(President) John Thompson decided to take a break," said Gutierrez, former vice president and cheer coach. "I decided to step in and fill his role. He still helps me out. Any time I have questions, I call him. It's not as easy as everyone thinks. There's a lot of paperwork and other stuff. The most challenging part is trying to get our name out there and recruiting more kids. We're trying to involve the families more."

"I'm happy with the numbers we got," she said. "Every day, I keep having to add people."

The Cowboys waived the registration fee for 20 of their players.

"We know a lot of kids want to play but can't afford to play," Gutierrez said. "We're just having them pay $35 for their jerseys. We've done a lot of sponsoring this year. It's very important to make sure the kids feel wanted. They're going to be a part of something."